OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£440Type:Fully Automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:2.000 LPump Pressure:?Built-in Coffee Grinder:yesAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 21 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

95%

7.3

Technical score

5%

8.3

Review score ( 9 · 12)

Review score 5% · 8.3 · based on 21 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 3 more reviews are not scored yet.
▲Better than 73% of coffee-machines
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

35%

8.3

Performance

25%

6.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.8

Features

15%

5.5

Design

▲Better than 73% of coffee-machines
8.3

Review score

Review score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Grades by review (21)
9 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 7
✓ explicit
4

8.5%

9.0

techradar.com

6.8%

9.0

idealhome.co.uk

6.8%

8.0

espressorabbithole.com

6.8%

8.0

thecoffeebazaar.co.uk

≈ estimated
3

6.8%

9.0

tomscoffeecorner.com

6.8%

8.0

bariscope.coffee

6.8%

8.0

balancejournal.co

Video reviews 3

3.4%

9.0

Smalltown Coffee Roasters

3.4%

9.0

More George

3.4%

8.0

Tom's Coffee Corner

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 73% of coffee-machines
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components:

35%

8.3

Performance

25%

6.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.8

Features

15%

5.5

Design

7.3
Review score
Review score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Grades by review (21)
9 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 7
✓ explicit
4

8.5%

9.0

techradar.com

6.8%

9.0

idealhome.co.uk

6.8%

8.0

espressorabbithole.com

6.8%

8.0

thecoffeebazaar.co.uk

≈ estimated
3

6.8%

9.0

tomscoffeecorner.com

6.8%

8.0

bariscope.coffee

6.8%

8.0

balancejournal.co

Video reviews 3

3.4%

9.0

Smalltown Coffee Roasters

3.4%

9.0

More George

3.4%

8.0

Tom's Coffee Corner

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Popularity:
Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express has a popularity of 8 points, which is higher than 56% of coffee machines.
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components:

60%

7.3

Overall score

40%

7.9

Price

7.5
Power
1,850 W
Power
1,850 W
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
This coffee machine provides 1,850 W of heating power, which is higher than the power of 97.2% of coffee machines and equal to that of 1.3% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
2 L
Water Container Capacity
2 L
▲ Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 2 L in its water tank, which is larger than 85.4% of coffee machines and equal to that of 4.9% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
?
Heating Time
30 s
Heating Time
30 s
▲ Better than 55% of models
Market range: <20 s – >60 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 30 s, which is faster than 55.5% of coffee machines and equal to that of 19.9% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Thermocoil
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
yes
Works with Beans
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans. 62.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
▼ Worse than 24% of models
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
▼ Worse than 29% of models
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
no
Water Level Indicator
no
▼ Worse than 60% of models
This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator. 60.4% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
yes
Water Filter
yes
▲ Better than 64% of models
This coffee machine has a water filter. 64.3% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
▲ Better than 34% of models
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
▼ Worse than 22% of models
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
What reviewers say
Built-in Installation
no
Color
black
Vintage Look
yes
Vintage Look
yes
▲ Better than 88% of models
This coffee machine has vintage styling. 87.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 450 W higher power
    Power
    1,850 W
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1850 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,850 W vs 1,400 W
  • 10 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    18
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (18 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    18 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 3.7% better value for money
    Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express has better value for money than the average coffee machine (7.49 vs 7.2).
    7.49 vs 7.22
  • 4.4% more popular
    Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express is more popular than the average coffee machine (7.95 vs 7.6).
    7.95 vs 7.62
  • 450 W higher power
    Power
    1,850 W
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k W – >1.5k W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (1850 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,850 W vs 1,400 W
  • 10 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    18
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <3 – >13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (18 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    18 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0.7 L – >2 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 10 s sec faster heat-up
    Heating Time
    30.000 s
    ▲ Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <20 s – >60 s
    This coffee machine reaches brewing temperature faster than the average coffee machine (30 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    30.000 s vs 40 s
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Has a pressure gauge
    Pressure Gauge
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This coffee machine has a pressure gauge, while the average coffee machine does not. 8.7% of coffee machines have a pressure gauge.
    A pressure gauge displays brewing pressure for more direct control.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • Has vintage styling
    Vintage Look
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This coffee machine has vintage styling, while the average coffee machine does not. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
    A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
  • 3 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    54.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <51 mm – >58 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (54 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    54.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 30 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    300.00 mm
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <245 mm – >452 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (300 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    300.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 30 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    102.00 cm
    ▼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (102 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    102.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 15 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    30 min
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (30 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    30 min vs 15 min
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <150 g – >400 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • 2.36x heavier body
    Weight
    10.600 kg
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (10.6 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    10.600 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 106 mm wider body
    Width
    330.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (330 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    330.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 2.75x more expensive
    Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£440 vs £160).
    £440 vs £160
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <150 g – >400 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • 15 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    30 min
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <1 min – >30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (30 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    30 min vs 15 min
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 30 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    102.00 cm
    ▼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <89 cm – >150 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (102 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    102.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 2.36x heavier body
    Weight
    10.600 kg
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2.29 kg – >10.5 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (10.6 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    10.600 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 106 mm wider body
    Width
    330.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <129 mm – >299 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (330 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    330.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 75 mm taller body
    Height
    400.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <251 mm – >385 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (400 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    400.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 10 cm shorter power cord
    Cable Length
    90 cm
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <78 cm – >120 cm
    This coffee machine has a shorter electrical reach than the average coffee machine (90 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    90 cm vs 100 cm
  • 78.8% bulkier volume
    Volume
    39,600 cm³
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <0.7 cm³ – >2 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (39600 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    39,600 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Smalltown Coffee Roasters
≈ estimated
25/04/2025
Hands-on review · setup, programming and milk steaming
Verdict
Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express has some cheap plastic parts and a steam dial that is awkward to use, but it has real personality.
8.0
Tom's Coffee Corner
≈ estimated
12/01/2023
Unboxing and setup · dialling in and cappuccino test
Verdict
Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express is a pretty good cappuccino machine, though espresso extraction and pressure could be stronger.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Overview video
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 9 · 12

Reviewers like the accessories, espresso and build, but the steam wand disappoints and opinions split on the grinder.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
bariscope.coffee
≈ estimated
16/07/2026
Buyer's guide · Espresso with grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express makes very good espresso for beginners who drink medium or dark roasts, but its fixed grind steps struggle with light roasts.
9.0
tomscoffeecorner.com
≈ estimated
22/05/2026
Hands-on test · Espresso with grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is a well-built, pleasant machine for learning espresso, held back by fast water flow and a slow switch to steam.
8.0
balancejournal.co
≈ estimated
13/05/2026
Hands-on review · Medium-roast espresso
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express suits people who want one machine for medium or dark roast coffee, but light roast fans will run into its grind limits.
8.0
espressorabbithole.com
✓ explicit
17/02/2026
Year-long test · Beginner espresso machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is still a recommended pick for beginners who want a built-in grinder, but grind adjustment is fiddly and some units run high pressure.
yorkonafork.com
01/12/2019
Not graded yet
9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
20/07/2022
Dial-in test · Espresso with grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express makes tasty, adjustable espresso for home users, though expect to spend the first eight cups dialling it in.
9.0
idealhome.co.uk
✓ explicit
31/03/2024
Month-long test · Espresso with grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express looks stylish and makes excellent crema, but it is heavy and needs patience to dose and tamp well.
8.0
thecoffeebazaar.co.uk
✓ explicit
01/05/2023
Hands-on review · Hybrid espresso machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express gives you fine control and very good coffee, but it is slower and fussier than a fully automatic machine.
7.8
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
19/10/2023
Lab test · Portafilter espresso machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is a well-designed machine that makes very good espresso and milk foam, but it is loud and has no temperature readout.
coffeeness.de
27/08/2023
Not graded yet
coffeecircle.com
12/10/2021
Not graded yet
testit.de
13/07/2026
Not graded yet
capital.fr
01/12/2025
Not graded yet
8.0
coffeeness.de
≈ estimated
08/10/2023
Expert review · Entry-level espresso
Verdict
The Sage Barista Express is a good first espresso machine with plenty of settings, though its limited grinder and steam wand hold it back.

Third-party reviews

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What we like about Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express

  • Integrated conical burr grinder allows for fresh grinding, saving counter space
  • Excellent, café-quality espresso with good crema
  • High level of control over extraction (temperature, grind size, dose), suitable for beginners wanting to learn
  • Sturdy construction and appealing design
  • Includes both pressurized and non-pressurized filters, accommodating different skill levels
  • Strong thermal performance allows for a hot portafilter and cup warming

What we don't like about Sage BES875BTR the Barista Express

  • Steep learning curve to 'dial in' the perfect grind and shot, which can be frustrating initially
  • Integrated grinder can be inflexible (cannot be easily used for other brewing methods)
  • Single boiler/thermoblock means you cannot steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously
  • Can be noisy during operation, particularly the grinder
  • Some internal components are plastic to keep costs down, though the exterior is robust
  • Requires regular maintenance, including water filter changes and descaling, for longevity

Verdict

The Sage Barista Express (BES875BTR) is a compact, semi-automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine in Black Truffle that features an integrated conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings and a 250g bean hopper, a 15-bar Italian pump delivering a 9-bar low-pressure pre-infusion extraction, a 2-litre removable water tank, and a 1700W Thermocoil heating system managed by digital PID temperature control for precise 93°C water stability. Main pros include a commercial-grade 360-degree swivel steam wand capable of creating microfoam latte art, an intuitive analog pressure gauge for real-time extraction feedback, preset single and double 54mm portafilter shot volumes, and convenient built-in details like a magnetic tamper and a dedicated hot water spout. However, key cons include its noisy operation during grinding, a slow steam wand heat-up process, and a single-boiler setup that prevents users from pulling an espresso shot and steaming milk at the same time.

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